The Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization has been hard at work planning the traffic scenarios for the Flint Hills Region through 2040. The transportation plan consists of several steps, which according to MPO Transportation Planner, Stephanie Watts, the organization has recently finished establishing future conditions and prioritizing projects. She said the plan is expected for completion and adoption by December of this year.Watts, along with City of Manhattan Public Works Director, Rob Ott, shared an updated presentation on the plan with Riley County/Pottawatomie County/Manhattan City Commissioners during their joint meeting on Thursday afternoon.
They focused specifically on the travel demand model, which outlines different aspects of traffic analysis. Ott said, “this is a tool to ensure it is done right the first time so it doesn’t have to be re-done before 2040”.
Pottawatomie County Commissioner, Pat Weixelman had a question regarding how this will impact Pottawatomie County and whether this will involve having difficulty with putting federal dollars towards road improvements and projects. Watts answered this question by stating, “no, we just invite you [Pottawatomie County Commissioners] to the table regarding your improvements to roads. We [the MPO]don’t control any of the money. A lot of it depends on the scope of the project though, and whether you are using federal or local dollars”.
A few conclusions came out of the travel demand model as far as modifying roads:
- Scenic/Kimball needs to be a five lane
- Closure of Claflin through K-State campus is NOT advised
- a K-113 study is needed
- Miller Parkway connection to Scenic Drive is needed
There were also a few notable projects:
- K-18 bridge over Wildcat Creek
- Bluemont Avenue-5th-11th St.
- Casement Road-Northfield to Hays
- Stagg Hill Road-K-113 to Rosencutter Drive
An open house for the public to view the model will be held in the Manhattan City Commission room on June 24th. Another open house will also be offered in Junction City on June 25th.
